Substance Abuse Counselor, Certificate of Achievement

Upon successful completion of the Substance Abuse Counselor Certificate, the student demonstrates skills, knowledge, and training to counsel with people in recovery, while under the supervision of licensed professionals. Skills learned include but are not limited to: an understanding of substance abuse counseling techniques; the impact of drugs on society; interviewing skills that maximize the information obtained from clients necessary to determining needs and services; assessment and evaluation; relapse prevention; the ability to prepare case plans; an understanding of the basic aims and processes involved in facilitating groups; an understanding of the basic process of individual counseling and problem solving, and an understanding of the basic principles and methods related to working with family systems. Students completing the course work are eligible to take the California State exam to become a certified substance abuse counselor. Note there are several licensing boards. If you want to be CAADAC certified, you will need to complete an additional 65 internship hours in an approved facility.

Minimum Units Required: 48

Recommended Sequence:

Second Semester

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

Additional Requirements:

Internship: A minimum of 160* supervised intern hours in a California State licensed substance abuse facility.

*CAADAC California Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors requires 255 hours.

Additional Requirements:

Internship: A minimum of 255 supervised intern hours in a substance abuse facility. May be accrued from paid work experience, volunteer work or through enrollment in the SJDC Work Experience Program.